I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 4X4. It's always been fine and I usually only use 4 wheel drive in snow and such when needed. The other day it started making a "rattling" sound and I noticed that the 4x4 shifter was vibrating so I tried to put it in 4 wheel drive and the shifter just moved freely with no resistance at all and it won't change into any gears. When I got back to driving I noticed that the rattling sound was a lot louder and when I'm driving I grabbed the 4x4 shifter and it vibrates like crazy and if I move it the rattling changes how loud it is and how bad it is. I've never experienced this before, and this is my first 4x4, does anyone have any idea what this is and how to fix it? Thanks.

 

Welcome to DF.

Did you check the linkage underneath? It may have just came apart and needs putting back together.

Will move you to the correct section.

For future reference:
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-r...ead-first.html

 

A linkage bushing failed. Probably fell apart. Hopefully the linkage is still hanging underneath. You can reach under and manually shift the transfer case if you need to until you fix it.

Do a search of this section, I have a repair post and some other alternate fixes are around with methods that improve on the original design...

 

The noise stopped and I never saw anything hanging underneath, I checked several times after it started and after it stopped making the noise. Where are the other posts at? Thanks for the responses.

 

Apologies, I didn't even see that thread before posting...

 

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/3rd-gen...-for-help.html

 

it is the linkage bushings. when i bought my 04 hemi they guy said 4x4 worked perfectly and then i put it in it did nothing, it was like a joy stick. we looked under neath about middle of truck its silver and bushing were dry rotted out. it was a 15 mi fix at the dealer.

not a perfect design but still better over 2nd gens vacuum lines.

hope that helps.